Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: Compositions including oxycarbide-based nanorods and/or carbide-based nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are provided. Rigid porous structures including oxycarbide-based nanorods and/or carbide based nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are also provided. The compositions and rigid porous structures of the invention can be used either as catalyst and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided. The fluid phase catalytic reactions catalyzed include hydrogenation, hydrodesulfurisation, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrodemetallisation, hydrodeoxigenation, hydrodearomatization, dehydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, isomerization, alkylation, dealkylation and transalkylation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to triggerable, water-dispersible cationic polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making triggerable, water-dispersible cationic polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising triggerable, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products, such as wet wipes.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer paper web, wherein at least two paper sheets are formed and dried separately to a dry content of no more than 80% by weight, imparting a three-dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions in the paper sheets during drying, combining the paper sheets into a multilayer web, in which void volumes are created between the raised and recessed portions of the combined sheets and drying the multilayer web.

Abstract: In a printing press and attached onto the transfer cylinders, an anti-marking system that uniformly supports the transport and the release of the wet printed sheet from one station to the next. The anti-marking sheet consists of a two plus layer system, the outer layer being a textured surface and the inner layer being a microcellular material that is both compressible and resilient. The outer textured layer may be treated with either conductive/anti-static layers or an ink repellent layer or both. The two plus layer system is easily attached to both transfer cylinders and tracking/skeleton wheels using any combination of fixtures from Velcro™, magnetic, metallic, and pressure sensitive double sided tape to elastic loops.

Abstract: One method of the present invention relates to a method for enhancing adhesion of spraying metal to a ceramic model. The method is comprised of providing the ceramic model having a spray surface, and modifying at least a portion of the spray surface if the ceramic model to enhance adhesion of spray metal to the spray surface.

Abstract: There is provided a new nonwoven material for personal care products made of fibers, binder in an amount between 1 and 6 weight percent and superabsorbent in an amount between 1 and 80 weight percent, where the superabsorbent is contained in micro-pockets in the nonwoven. These micro-pockets may be made by creping a nonwoven fabric, orienting fibers in the Z-direction, and by passing a relatively lofty nonwoven fabric between unheated thermal pattern bond and anvil rolls. These materials exhibit good permeability to liquid in the pre- and post-wetted conditions, thus avoiding gel blocking and other negative effects of superabsorbent swelling within a fabric. Such a fibrous material is useful in personal care products, like diapers, training pants, incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: A layered composite material comprises a backing made from a thermoplastic polymer, an intermediate layer arranged thereupon, and a heat-cured layer applied to the intermediate layer, where the bonding material of the intermediate layer is a thermoplastic. The intermediate layer and the backing may be composed of the same thermoplastic. The intermediate layer and the heat-cured layer may also be applied to both sides of the backing. The layered composite material may furthermore comprise a decorative layer between the intermediate layer and the heat-cured layer.

Abstract: Granulated papermaking sludge is combined with plastic to form composite materials that may be shaped into structural and non-structural articles.

Abstract: A composite material has a foam core having first and second faces. A plurality of fibrous pins have first end portions protruding from the core first face. A first face sheet is secured to the core first face. The first face sheet comprises, in major part, one or more non-woven, non random, fiber layers. The pin first end portions protrude into the first face sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to wet laid absorbent fibrous foams including water insoluble fibers, a binding agent, and a superabsorbent material in. The absorbent fibrous foams of this invention have controlled absorption rates and typically absorb about 60 percent of a foam centrifuge retention capacity of 0.9 percent by weight sodium chloride solution according to the centrifuge retention capacity test, in about 30 seconds or more and have a dry tensile strength of about 0.2 g/cm/gsm or more. The hot air dried absorbent fibrous foams of this invention have desirable wet and dry tensile strengths, according to the tensile strength test described herein. The hot air dried absorbent foams of this invention are produced by forming a slurry comprising water, a binding agent, and a water-insoluble fiber, adding a superabsorbent material having a gelation time of about 40 seconds or more to the slurry, removing an amount of the water from the slurry by hot air drying, and recovering an absorbent fibrous foam.

Abstract: A new foam coated nonwoven fibrous mat having properties particularly suited for a facer on gypsum wallboard, laminates made therefrom and the method of making the mat is disclosed. The mat preferably contains a major portion of glass fibers and a minor portion of a resinous binder. The foam coating is permeable and reduces fiber dust and abrasion experienced in the past with relatively coarse, relatively inexpensive glass fibers in the mat. Contrary to previous methods, the foam coated fibrous mat is made in-line on a wet mat forming production line by applying a wet foam binder onto a wet, fibrous web followed by drying and curing in-line.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microporous film comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for shielding at least the upper part of a radiocommunication module (1), said module being designed to be transferred on a mother board (5) and including components mounted on a printed circuit and providing at least one of the following functions. RF processing, digital processing and analog processing. The inventive method is characterised in that it comprises the following steps: coating at least the upper part (2) of said radiocommunication module with a resin and adding an electrically conductive layer at the surface of the resin. The invention also concerns a radiocommunication module whereof at least the upper part is thus shielded.

Abstract: A turbomachine component includes a silicon nitride substrate and a protective coating on the substrate. The protective coating includes a porous silicon nitride matrix and a noble metal infiltrated in the porous silicon nitride matrix.

Abstract: A honeycomb body configuration includes an intermediate layer for reducing transmission of heat from a honeycomb body to a housing by heat radiation and prevents erosion of ends of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a plurality of layer portions formed from at least one metal sheet and at least one layer of ceramic material. The intermediate layer preferably includes a thermally insulating layer portion, a metal sheet and a swell mat. Ends of the metal sheet cover at least one of the layer portions at the end. The invention is particularly suitable for supporting honeycomb bodies of thin wall ceramic for uses close to the engine in exhaust gas cleaning systems of motor vehicles. It is, however, generally also suitable for the thermal insulation of honeycomb bodies of all kinds with respect to a housing. A sandwich structure, in particular for a honeycomb body configuration, is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut tranversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: A leather covering piece for a vehicle interior lining comprises a leather piece and an intermediate layer connected with the leather piece. A hardenable mass is applied onto the intermediate layer or the leather piece. The hardened mass gives the leather covering piece such an inherent rigidity that it maintains a curved shape and can be inserted into an injection mold. The stacking of prefabricated leather covering pieces is also possible. The shape of the leather covering piece already corresponds to that of the finished product, in particular of the vehicle interior lining for which it is used. The leather covering piece is back-molded in order to obtain a stable carrier piece which gives the entire interior lining more stability.

Abstract: There is provided a package of multiple oil absorbing wipes suitable for wiping a users skin or hair. The wipes are arranged in an overlying arrangement and comprise an oil absorbing porous film-like substrate of a thermoplastic material having a transparency of less than 65 percent. The porous substrate changes transparency by at least 10 percentage points when loaded with oil. The porous substrate has an embossing pattern over from 1 to 50 percent of at least a portion of the of the wipe material surface area, which area is in contact with an adjacent wipe in the package.

Abstract: There is provided a package of multiple oil absorbing wipes suitable for wiping a users skin or hair. The invention wipes comprise an oil absorbing porous film of a thermoplastic material having a transparency of less than 65 which porous substrate changes transparency when loaded with oil. The porous substrate has directly on one face an oil contaminable layer, without any intermediate oil impermeable layer or film. The porous film has a percent oil retention of from 50 to 100 percent.

Abstract: A multi-layer material, useful as a preformed part for the inside roof lining of an automobile, with a plastic foam core which is incorporated with a partially disintegrated fiber reinforcement, and at least one top layer.

Abstract: The invention refers to a shoe press belt (1) for use in shoe presses of a paper machine, having a support (2) and a liquid-impermeable belt layer (3, 5) which has an inner layer (3) and an outer layer (5), the outer layer (5) having a porous structure and the porous structure being formed exclusively from cavities (8, 12, 14) open toward the outer side; and is characterized in that the outer layer (5) is made of an unfoamed material.

Abstract: Insulating flame-resistant woven fabrics have been discovered which have a nap on the back side of the fabric to provide extra comfort and heat resistance without reduction in wear life or increased pilling.

Abstract: A transparent film-coated substrate is provided which has a transparent film having a low refractive index, and a less shrinking property; and being excellent in adhesiveness to a substrate or a transparent electroconductive film formed on the substrate, and in the film strength, the water resistance, the chemical resistance, and so forth.

Abstract: To provide a typically plate-shaped or sheet-shaped inexpensive web product that is prepared on a large scale and using cheaper raw materials that have not been used, with the web being tenacious and non-toxic when used as construction parts of houses, and capable of being discarded under the ground so as to be readily decomposed by bacteria and enzymes, and further capable of being burnt at lower temperatures preventing generation of toxic substances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carbohydrate foam composition. The foam composition is highly wettable, resilient and has a uniform pore structure suitable for use in products such as absorbent personal products, health care products, and products suitable for fluid distribution and transfer. The foam of the present invention may also be made into sheets suitable for products such as tissue and paper towels. In one embodiment the foam is made from a carbohydrate and zinc chloride. In a further embodiment the carbohydrate is cellulose, and in a further embodiment the carbohydrate is chitin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an aqueous dispersion of an anionic polyurethane. According to the invention, a tertiary amine functional urethane polymer or oligomer acts as acid neutralizing agent. The process of the invention comprises the steps of: dispersion of an anionic isocyanate functional polyurethane prepolymer in water in the presence of a tertiary amine functional urethane polymer or oligomer and chain extension of the anionic polyurethane prepolymer with a reactive hydrogen functional material during or after the dispersion in water.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive stencil including a thermoplastic resin film on which a porous resin layer and a porous reinforcing layer are formed in succession. A porous fibrous layer may be disposed between the porous resin layer and the porous reinforcing layer.

Abstract: An image recording medium for an ink jet printer comprises(a) a sheet of solvent absorbing microporous material which comprises a matrix of substantially water insoluble thermoplastic organic polymer, finely divided substantially water insoluble filler particles of which at least 50% by weight are siliceous particles said filler particles being distributed throughout the matrix and constituting from 40 to 90% by weight of said micorporous material, there being a network of interconnecting pores communicating substantially throughout said microporous material said pores constituting from 35 to 95% by volume of said microporous material, said sheet of microporous material having (b) a coating of a polyester. The polyester can be a condensation product obtained from dicarboxylic acids and glycols and contains sufficient hydrophilic groups such as sulphonate to make it water dispersible.

Abstract: A filter media having a synthetic microfiber polymer fine fiber web wherein the diameter of the fibers is between about 0.8 to about 1.5 microns. The filter media is acceptable for use in ASHRAE applications. Constructions with a low DP backing, support or prefilter layers of coarse fiber provide large area filter webs of high efficiency and a stale and high threshold value of alpha above eleven.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compressible plate for flexographic printing, designed to be positioned on a support cylinder of a printing machine. The invention is characterised in that said plate (1) comprises a photopolymer layer (10) and a compressible layer (11) made of a material exhibiting voids forming between 10 and 60% by volume of said compressible layer, the material comprising at least 70% by weight of a polymer or a mixture of polymers chemically compatible with the photopolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and rigid porous structures that contain nanorods having carbides and/or oxycarbides and methods of making and using such compositions and such rigid porous structures. The compositions and rigid porous structures can be used either as catalysts and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided. The fluid phase catalytic reactions catalyzed include hydrogenation hydrodesulfuriaation, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrodemetallization, hydrodeoxygenation, hydrodearomatization, dehydrogenation, hydrogenolyis, isomerization, alkylation, dealkylation, oxidation and transalkylation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pultrusion machine for forming a laminated composite with a predetermined profile and the product obtained. The apparatus comprises at least two spools for supplying elongated reinforcements. A collator receives the elongated reinforcements and arranges the reinforcements in layered relationship to form a layered elongated bundle. A supply member wets the layered elongated bundle with plastisol to form a wetted elongated bundle. The wetted elengated bundle is transported through a pultrusion die wherein the wetted layered bundle is molded into the predetermined profile. A converting apparatus cures, or converts, the wetted layered bundle into the layered composite. A particularly preferred embodiment is an extrusion comprising a reinforcing material wherein said reinforcing material comprises a fiber reinforced plastisol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a colored porous material comprising in its pores an effectively coloring amount of an organic pigment which is obtainable by fragmenting a meltable or solvent-soluble pigment precursor, and to a process for its preparation.

Abstract: A molded fiber product is made from plant fibers containing lignin. Plant fibers ranging in size below 0.5 mm are used. Binding agents and other additives may be mixed with the fibers to enhance product or process performance. The plant fiber mixture of fibers and additives are heated at temperatures between 40 degrees C. and 300 degrees C. The heated fibers are compressed in a mold to an average density of at least 960 kg/m3. Compression pressures of at least 3.4 MPa are used. The compressed fiber product is released from the mold and the mold may be reused. A thermoset molded plant fiber product is provided having characteristics and qualities similar to engineering grade thermoplastics and thermoset plastics.

Abstract: This invention intends to provide a friction member which is high in an anti-fading character and low in mate attacking character. For such purpose, in a friction member composed of a fiber containing substrate, a bonding agent and a filling agent, an accumulated blow hole rate of blow holes having hole diameter not less than 3.5 &mgr;m is selected to be not larger than 2 volume %, and an accumulated blow hole rate of blow holes having hole diameter from 0 to 3.5 &mgr;m is selected to be not less than 3 volume %.

Abstract: The invention relates to foam composites having improved properties. These polymeric foams are prepared by polymerization of certain water-in-oil emulsions having a relatively high ratio of water phase to oil phase, commonly known in the art as high internal phase emulsions, or “HIPEs.” The HIPE-derived foam materials used in the present invention comprise a generally hydrophobic, flexible, semi-flexible, or rigid nonionic polymeric foam structure of interconnected open-cells. These foam structures have a density of less than about 100 mg/cc, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of between about −40° and 90° C., and at least about 1% by weight compatible fibers incorporated into the foam. The foam composites have improved tensile properties compared to foams having no incorporated fibers or foams having noncompatible fibers incorporated therein.

Abstract: A porous membrane is provided by biaxially stretching a film of high density polyethylene (HDPE), including particles of an incompatible material. This film has a meshed network of HDPE fibers and striations of layers coplanar with the plane of the film. This film is porous in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the film and has a void content of at least 20%. The porous membrane may have one or more nonporous backing layers. The membrane may be used as filter or battery separator.

Abstract: A thermal stencil sheet for use in a laser stencil printing system comprising a stencil sheet comprising a base layer, a radiation absorbing layer, and a thermal film overlying the radiation absorbing layer. The base layer comprises a porous fibrous material which is saturatable with liquid.

Abstract: A paperless gypsum/fiber board with improved surface characteristics has at least one surface comprising a combination of fully hydrated gypsum and reinforcing fiber and has been coated with a primer comprising an aqueous emulsion of a film-forming polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermo-expandable fibers and to the expanded hollow fibers or microtubes, microcellular foam or foamed composite material that results upon heating the expandable fibers. The thermo-expandable fiber of the present invention is characterized by having a polymeric wall surrounding one or more pockets or particles of blowing agent or propellant within the fiber. The polymeric wall may have reactive functional groups on its surface to give a fusible fiber. When the expandable fibers are heated, they expand to form hollow fibers or microtubes comprising polymeric shells surrounding one or more internal gaseous voids, and when the fibers are expanded while in contact with each other, a microcellular foam may be formed. The foam consists of a plurality of hollow fibers fused together, optionally aided by functional groups present on the surface of the heated fibers that act to crosslink the material.

Abstract: Glyoxal-phenolic condensates, epoxidized products thereof, as well as their method of manufacture are disclosed. The condensates and epoxidized products have exceptionally high fluorescence as well as good ultraviolet absorbance. There is also disclosed compositions and laminates containing the condensates and epoxidized products thereof.

Abstract: A composition containing a function improver and an inorganic porous crystals-hydrophilic macromolecule composite wherein the hydrophilic macromolecule contains inorganic porous crystals in its inner matrix, and a product made therefrom The product, textile, nonwoven fabric, paper and laminate obtained from the composition of the present invention come to have high strength in addition to the gas adsorption capability, volatile organic solvent removing capability, noncombustibility, heat insulating property, and heavy metal and radioactive element removing capability that the inorganic porous crystals-hydrophilic macromolecule composite (A) possesses. It is also possible to improve a touch and the like, so that the composition is useful as a material having additional functions.

Abstract: There is provided a molded article which has high shock absorbing capability and load capacity. A resin molded article having a spring structure comprises a three-dimensional structure with voids, which is formed by entwining and gathering adjacent ones of random loops or curls of solid and/or hollow continuous filaments and/or short filaments made from a mixture of a polyolefin resin and VAC, EVA or SBS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous paper product impregnated with at least one chemical species. The porous paper product can be in the form of sheets, or compressed pellets. The porous paper can be prepared from a variety of sources, including wood pulp, kenaf, flax, or hemp. The chemical species impregnating the paper react and/or diffuse out of the paper to accomplish a variety of desired results. For example, diffusion of a volatile biocidal chemical out of pores in the paper create a no-growth zone on and immediately surrounding the impregnated paper. In this manner the impregnated paper can provide a sterile environment for activities such as food packaging/storage, the treatment of illness/injury, or waste disposal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to decorative three-dimensional, detailed, sculptured items formed of foam plastic with contours and impressions of varying depth. It is attached to a desired surface via an adhesive layer. The items include detailed, sculptured, three-dimensional, predetermined ornamental creations on their front side with varying thicknesses and areas of impressions of varying thicknesses, and having substantially flat surfaces on their backs. There is also a reinforcement grid of a plurality of strands of material which have a tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the semi-flexible material contained within the semi flexible material. There is an adhesive applied to the flat surface of the present invention item, which may be protected before its use by a removable, peelable non-adhesive layer that attaches to the back of the item over the applied adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable, personal cleansing articles useful for cleansing the skin or hair. These articles are used by the consumer by wetting the dry article with water and then rubbing the article against the skin or hair. The article comprises a water insoluble substrate having a cleansing surface that contains apertures of a certain size and frequency, and a lathering surfactant releasably associated with the substrate. Preferably, the articles of the present invention further comprise a conditioning component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wood wool construction element and a method for its manufacture.

Abstract: Improved disposable three layered pads for collecting cooking grease produced during the cooking of fatty foods particularly in the cooking area of a microwave oven as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,396. These pads comprise (a) a top grease absorbing layer having at least one ply of a grease absorptive sheet; (b) a middle grease and high temperature resistant layer; and (c) a bottom layer composed of an anti-stick heat insulating sheet. The pad is dimensioned to cover a substantial portion of the bottom cooking area of a microwave oven when used in these devices. The top layer is from 2 to 50 times thicker than the middle and bottom layer. The improvement comprises a small yet effective amount of anti-stick coating on the top layer of these three layered pads. These anti-stick coatings may be selected from such substances as vegetable oils, animal fats and synthetic lubricants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coloured porous material comprising in its pores an effectively colouring amount of an organic pigment which is obtainable by fragmenting a meltable or solvent-soluble pigment precursor, and to a process for its preparation. The present invention also relates to the use of the instant coloured porous material powders as pigments for high molecular weight organic materials.